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Toronto picks power-hitting Dantzler in 14th

Toronto picks power-hitting Dantzler in 14th

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By Evan Peaslee
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MLB.com |

For the first time, the Blue Jays chose back-to-back positional players -- selecting power-hitting first baseman L.B. Dantzler from the University of South Carolina in the 14th round with the 415th pick of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior hit a Southeastern Conference-best 15 home runs, and stood second with a .648 slugging percentage.

His power, however, also makes Dantzler a free swinger, as he led South Carolina with 46 strikeouts. The left-handed batter does possess a solid eye at the plate, though, walking a team-high 36 times.

Dantzler also hit .332, with a .445 on-base percentage and 48 RBIs, and earned the prestigious Capital One Academic All-American of the Year award from the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Evan Peaslee is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.